Improvement in train-indicators



1. H. PARsoNs` Train-Indicators.

Patented March 24.1874.

ITNITED 'rares .JOHhT H. PARSONS, OF HYDE PARK, ILLINOIS.

IMPROVEMENT IN TRAIN-INDICATORS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 148,@114, dated March 24, 1874 application filed October 27, 1873.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, JOHN H. PARSONS, 0f Hyde Park, Cook county, Illinois, have invented certain Improvements in Train-Indicators, of which the following is a specification:

The object of my invention is to provide an indicator-case, covered with wood or other suitable material, with sash and glass in the front and back sides. The case is provided inside with one or more movable sash, arranged with colored glass on one side, and plates, in which have been cut letters, 'gures, words, or other characters, on the other side. This causes the letters or other characters to be distinctly seen through the glass in the front of the case. The indicator-case is to be placed upon the top of the cab to a locomot-ive-engine, or on one ofthe cars of a railroadtrain, to indicate the kind, number, or section of the train, as shown in the perspective view, Figure l, of the accompanying drawings.

The train-indicator is illustrated more iu detail in Fig. 2, which shows an inside view, and in the detached sectional views in Figs. 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.

I construct the train-indicator case, in shape and proportion of its parts, that it may be ornamental as well as useful.

The frame of the case A, Fig. 1, I make of wood or other suitable material, and cover the same with light wood casing, sheet-iron, or tin-plate. The front and back sides of the frame are rabbeted on the inside edge, the

. same as common sash, and in which glass is set, in the ordinary manner, shown at a a a a u, Fig. 2. The inside of the ease is arranged with grooves s s s s for movable sash to slide in. The number of the grooves provided isv according to the. number of pieces of movable sash used. The drawings herewith represent two such sash, which are all that wouldordinarily be required. The cover to the case is made to open hinged on the back side, and provided with any suitable fastening in front when closed. In the bottom of the case I make one or more apertures, c c c, large enough to admit a lamp, when inserted at the bottom from the inside of the cab or car on which the indicator-case is placed. These apertures are also provided with movable covers d to set the lamp on when put in the case at the top. 'Ihe cover is provided with an equal number of chimneys, b b b, to let the fumes of the lamp escape, and so arranged that the lamp may not be affected by wind or storm. A reflector, on, is placed in each end of the case to throw the light toward the front. The lamp used may be of any kind known suitable for the place. The sash C C, Figs. 3 and 4, are made similar to common sash, rabbeted on both sides for double glass, except the top bar e, which is rabbeted the entire width on one side the same depth as the cross and end bars o o o o. (Shown at x.) Fig. 3 represents one side, and Fig. 4 the opposite side, of the same sash. In one side of the sash z z z, Fig. 3, I place panes of stained, ground, frosted, or painted glass of any desirable color. The glass is fastened in the sash, in the ordinary manner. On the opposite side of the sash I attach to each of the end and cross bars o o o o (shown in Fig. 4) a strip of thin sheet iron, brass, or other metal, formed as shown at h, Fig. 5. The edges of the strip h should be elastic, and act as a light spring io press against the plates which slide in the grooves and hold them firmly in the sash.

The letters, words, figures, or other characters which it is necessary to use to show the kind, number, or section of the train, and of which there should be a number of each kind, I make of any suitable material, sheet-iron or other sheet metal being preferred. of each of the words, letters, figures, or other character is cut out of a piece of sheet plate, as shown at D and P, Figs. 6 and 7 The plate is of sufficient thickness that it will not easily be bent or get out of shape. The top of the plate is formed with a small thumb-catch, by which itis readily put in or removed from the grooves in the sash C on the side. (Shown in Fig. 4.) The plates are painted some color in strong contrast with the colored glass which is in the opposite side of the same sash.

The manner of operating `the train-indicator is as follows: For example, the conductor of a railroad has orders to. run the second or third section of train No. l0. The letters, iigures, and other characters required are properly placed in the movable sash. The sash are then placed in the case with the lettered g The shape side in front, which places the lettered plates between the colored glass and the glass in the case of the frame. rlhe light which enters the case through the glass on the back side during the day, or one or more lamps, l, placed in the case during the night, causes the letters, iigures, or other characters to be distinctly seen at a distance as well as when close by the observer. Figure l would indicate, as the characters arc now arranged, that the train which was eitherstanding at or passing a station on the line of a railroad was train number 10, third section. Thus, the train-indicator would show to employs, and to telegraphbperators who have orders for the different trains on the line of the road, what train it is, and also to the employs of the trains as they meet and pass, and prevent the mistaking of trains, which is often the case, and results in serious collisions and destruction of property. One of the train-indicators is to be placed on each side, on the top of the engine-cab or car, so that they will show plainly the same on either side. Where the roof of the cab or car is sufficiently raised to admit, I join the two cases at the ends by lling in the space between with a panel-end and molded edge, that it may look more compact, and resembles Very much what is known on railroad-coaches as the raised or hurricane deck. The glass in the sash on the back side of the indicator, while the lamp is burning, is covered by a canvas drop-curtain or other suit? able cover. (Not shown in the drawings.)

I claim as my invention- The combination of the sash O, glass plates Z, gure-plates D P, and case A, substantially as described, and for the purpose set forth.

. JOHN H. PARSONS.

Vitnesses:

. A. L. SMITH,

E. G. MCOLELLAN. 

